Finally, a Final rule

Entry Level Driver Training

After several delays, FMCSA has finally published the Final rule on Entry Level Driver Training. All training providers and jurisdictions must comply with the rule prior to February 7, 2020.

This is a major accomplishment since leaders in the industry such as American Trucking Association (ATA), Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), and The National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS) have been pushing FMCSA for over 30 years to implement minimum standards to training to improve the quality of skilled commercial drivers entering the trucking industry.

In short, this Final Rule requires anyone seeking a Class A or Class B CDL after February 7, 2020 to receive training from a certified training provider. Training providers must register and be listed on the FMCSA’s training provider registry (TPR). Students will be required to score at least 80% on a classroom assessment and demonstrate proficiency in specific BTW maneuvers and overall BTW safety. Training providers must certify that students have met the theory and BTW requirements before the student can sit for the CDL skills test. Only training providers listed on the FMCSA’s TPR will be authorized to certify students for the CDL skills test. Students who receive instruction from schools not listed on the TPR will be prohibited from taking the CDL skills test.

Mike Byrnes & Associates Inc. truly believe this is a major accomplishment for the trucking industry.

Our textbook, Bumper To Bumper, The Complete Guide To Tractor Trailer Operations, was first created to outline the original Commercial Vehicle Training Module Curriculum back in the mid 80’s. Since then we have updated the textbook accordingly to FMCSA standards. Our textbook is very thorough in all subjects and complies with all FMCSA’s standards published in new rule.

Online Training

The new training standards will enforce training providers to enhance their training materials to assure their students obtain the proper knowledge prior to taking their driving skills tests.

Mike Byrnes & Associates Inc. has specialized in providing training curriculum to the trucking industry for 30 years and we have been preparing to assist schools in complying with the new standards. As the premier CDL textbook of choice, we are the best resource to create the most effective online CDL training. Our network of writers, editors, educators, artists and field specialists represents extensive truck driver education, writing and editing experience. Bumper to Bumper curriculum is proven to increase your students’ knowledge and improve their pass and completion rates.

On September 1st 2016 we implemented the most effective online CDL training program available. Bumper To Bumper “EASY CDL” online training was created by using the entire textbook’s contents with new and improved animation and video. To assure the most thorough curriculum available for truck driver training online program was the best in the industry we partnered with the best software designers in the industry, ieLinks, the creator of eCampusLynx School Management Software. ieLinks has been providing innovative web-based technology solutions to Higher Education since 2000.

Also on the Regulatory Front: Split Sleeper Berth Time

Pursuant, FMCSA proposes a pilot program to test split sleeper-berth time. Temporary regulatory relief from the Agency’s sleeper berth regulation, for a limited number of commercial drivers who have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and who regularly use a sleeper berth to accumulate their required 10 hours of non-duty work status, will be allowed. During the pilot program, participating drivers would have the option to split their sleeper berth time within parameters specified by FMCSA. Driver metrics would be collected for the duration of the study, and participants’ safety performance and fatigue levels would be analyzed. This pilot program seeks to produce statistically reliable evidence on the question whether split sleeper berth time affects driver safety performance and fatigue levels. The Agency proposes criteria for participating drivers and carriers, outlines procedural steps and a data collection plan, and requests comments on these elements.

Comments must be received on or before August 7, 2017. You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-2016-0260 using any of the following methods: